[AIRLINE] Ottawa (YOW) to Dallas (DFW) on Aeroplan
After registering to the Frequent Traveler University conference in Dallas, Texas, it was time to do some flight planning on how to get there. Being an Aeroplan collector, it was clear that this was the best option to begin our search. The one downside with Aeroplan is the high fuel surcharges and taxes, which we had no way of avoiding since there are limited flights for our itinerary. We managed to book a flight connecting to Toronto (YYZ) and then direct to Dallas (DFW). It was the same itinerary on the way back.
This costed 25,000 Aeroplan Miles + $196.79 all with Air Canada reward flights. This was definitely more than I hoped to have paid for a reward flight, but bearable. A flight from Ottawa to Dallas was going to cost over $600 anyway (at that time), so I got over $400 in value for the 25,000 points, which is 1.6 cents per point. Close to the ideal 1.8 cents per point.
In terms of the itinerary, we departed from Ottawa, it was an early flight leaving the city at 6:00 A.M. Fortunately, I only live approximately ten minutes away from the airport, so I made my way to the airport around 4:30 A.M. Below is the itinerary:
| Ottawa (YOW) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 6:00am – 7:07am |
| Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Dallas International (DFW) | 8:45am – 11:10am |
| Dallas International (DFW) to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 6:15am – 10:16am |
| Toronto Pearson (YYZ) to Ottawa (YOW) | 12:10pm – 1:13pm |
Perhaps it wasn’t the best itinerary to fly to Dallas on points, but it did the trick. It’s a good thing I am a morning person, so the early start to the day didn’t affect me too much. Next time it may be better to do a stopover or an open jaw itinerary while we’re at it.
It’s a shame you couldn’t get United flights and avoided the fuel surcharges. From Ottawa you pretty much have to fly through Chicago or Washington to get United flights. All said though, getting 1.6 value was pretty good, I’d be happy with that.
Hey Real, we booked 6 weeks before the trip, so it was pretty lucky for us to even find a flight. I definitely would have preferred to fly United though. Thanks!